About the Australian Stem Cell Centre

On 30 June 2011 the Australian Stem Cell Centre’s (ASCC) funding from the Australian Government came to an end at which time the ASCC ceased operations and commenced winding up the organisation. The ASCC is now closed.

History of the ASCC

The ASCC was founded to capitalise on Australia’s significant strengths in the general field of stem cell research. The ASCC was selected in 2002, in a competitive bid process, as Australia’s Biotechnology Centre of Excellence, an initiative of the Australian Government as part of its Backing Australia’s Ability policy. The Centre provided a unique opportunity for stem cell researchers to deliver outcomes that will benefit the wider Australian biotechnology industry and ultimately contribute innovative solutions to human health challenges.

Two major legacy organisations now continue the work of the ASCC. In 2011 the ASCC fostered the beginnings of the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia (Foundation) which will build on the ASCC’s achievements in the promotion and growth of Australian stem cell science. More information on the Foundation will be made available soon.

In November 2010 the Minister for Innovation announced that a consortium of Australia’s leading universities and research organisations headed by The University of Melbourne and led by Professor Martin Pera, were the recipients of funding totalling $21 million under the Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science. The consortium, known as Stem Cells Australia, will become the main dedicated stem cell research organisation in Australia. Find our more at www.stemcellsaustralia.edu.au.

Donations to Science

National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia
During its nine years of operation, the ASCC was fortunate to receive many donations and bequests from supportive members of the public with an interest in furthering this important area of research. Whilst the ASCC has ceased operations, we have ensured that past and future donations will continue to be applied to grow and develop Australian stem cell research. That is why in 2011, the ASCC established the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia. The Foundation will build on the work of the ASCC though its mission:

To promote the study and use of stem cells in the prevention or control of disease or illness in human beings and to enhance public education in this field.

To further its mission the Foundation will:

Provide resources for the purposes of objective information and to provide objective resources to educate and inform the Australian public on stem cell technology and regenerative medicine including its risks, achievements, benefits and overall technical progress.

Pursue the cures for, as yet, untreatable diseases and illnesses, using stem cell technology and regenerative medicine techniques by supporting research activities in these areas.

The Foundation is a registered not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and a fully ATO endorsed Australian charity for tax purposes. As a consequence, the Foundation enjoys deductible gift recipient status which means that all gifts, donations and bequests made to the Foundation are tax deductible in the hands of the person giving the gift, donation or bequest. More information on how to donate can be found here.

For more infomation on the Foundation contact the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia at PO Box 250, Carlton South, VIC 3053, Australia.

StemCore

StemCore is entering an exciting new phase. Established by the Australian Stem Cell Centre, from 1 July 2011 Stem Core has been transferred to Stem Cells Limited, a company owned by Monash University and the University of Queensland, who will continue to develop the facility. With these two universities' support, in conjunction with funding from the Australian Government, StemCore will continue to operate as an independent entity. Further information and contact details is available here.

Public Information

Patient Information Handbook
The ASCC’s popular Fact Sheets and Patient Information Handbook are available here. Please note that at the current time these resources are not being updated. If you have a specific question about stem cells, stem cell therapies or treatments please contact Stem Cells Australia via www.stemcellsaustralia.edu.au

Teachers Portal and Teachers Kit
With new technologies developing so fast, it is difficult for students and teachers alike to keep up to date.
As such the ASCC wanted to help introduce stem cell science into the classroom and developed several free resources for teachers. From our Teachers Portal you can download the complete Teachers' Kit and corresponding PowerPoint presentations. In addition students and teachers can view many educational videos on our YouTube Stem Cell Channel. Please note that at the current time these resources are not being updated.

ASCC Blog Archive
The ASCC Blog Archive contains articles and information on stem cell stories, treatments and "stem cell tourism". All blogs can be read here.

ASCC Annual Report 2011

The ASCC’s 2011 Public Annual Report is available here along with previous annual reports.

Looking for Information on Australian Stem Cell Research?

Stem Cells Australia began operations on 1 July 2011 and aims to explore the fundamental mechanisms involved in stem cell regulation and differentiation, and translate this knowledge into innovative biotechnological and therapeutic applications. Not only will this collaboration support excellence in stem cell research but we will also lead public debate and discussion about the important ethical, legal and societal issues associated with stem cell science. To find out more visit www.stemcellsaustralia.edu.au.